Governor Gianforte Honors Veterans in Southwest Montana

• September 03 2025

BUTTE, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte last week recognized ten outstanding Montana veterans with the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation during ceremonies held in Beaverhead and Silver Bow counties.

“Montana is stronger because of the selflessness and leadership of our veterans,” Gov. Gianforte said. “These men and women answered the call to serve our nation, and they continue to serve their neighbors, towns, and state. It’s a privilege to honor them with this recognition.”

Gov. Gianforte honoring two veterans in Dillon

The Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation recognizes veterans who have selflessly served in uniform and made positive impacts in their communities. Since 2021, more than 170 veterans have received the honor.

On Monday in Dillon, the governor honored two veterans. U.S. Army veteran Chief Warrant Officer Dale McKnight was commended for his decorated service in Vietnam, where he earned the Purple Heart and numerous commendations, and for decades of leadership in the VFW and American Legion, firefighting, and volunteer service in his community. U.S. Army Nursing Corps veteran First Lieutenant Sharon Andersen was recognized for her dedicated service in uniform and for continuing to care for others as a registered nurse, Honor Guard member, and volunteer with the American Legion and community programs in Dillon.

Gov. Gianforte honoring eight veterans in Butte

On Tuesday in Butte, the governor recognized eight veterans:

• U.S. Navy Reserve veteran Lieutenant Commander Eileen Greb was honored for her service as a nurse and for her ongoing volunteer work supporting veterans, Toys for Tots, and the Southwest Montana Veterans Home.

• U.S. Marine Corps veteran Corporal David King was commended for his decorated service, including the Bronze Star, and for his continued dedication to veterans through Toys for Tots and leadership in the Marine Corps League.

• U.S. Marine Corps veteran Sergeant Michael Taapken was recognized for his military service and for bringing The Wall That Heals to Butte, leading the Marine Corps League, and volunteering in support of local veterans.

• Sergeant Jack Favero, a Vietnam-era veteran of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army, was honored for over 20 years of military service and his ongoing contributions with the VFW and United Veterans Club Honor Guard.

• U.S. Air Force veteran Colonel Cynthia Cohan was celebrated for her decorated service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Korea, and for her continued volunteer work with the VFW and The Wall That Heals.

• U.S. Air Force veteran Colonel Dale Haulman was recognized for his military service during the Cold War and for decades of leadership supporting student and disabled veterans, organizing resource fairs, and serving in the American Legion and VFW.

• U.S. Air Force veteran Airman Michael Samples was honored for his Vietnam service, including the Bronze Star, and his leadership in the VFW, United Veterans Council, and scholarship programs for Montana students.

• U.S. Marine Corps veteran Sergeant Michael Lawson was commended for his two tours in Vietnam, where he earned the Bronze Star with Combat “V” and Purple Heart, and for his longtime leadership in the Marine Corps League, American Legion, and Veterans Court.

Each recipient received a Montana state flag flown over the Capitol in their honor and a letter from the governor recognizing their service.

Gov. Gianforte yesterday announced nominations are now open for the 2025 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation. The deadline to nominate a veteran for the 2025 award is Monday, October 20, 2025. The recipients will be announced on Veterans Day and honored in ceremonies across the state in 2026.

To learn more about the commendation and to nominate a Montana veteran, visit recognizeveterans.mt.gov.